"There are tough times and there are times when you have to draw in and close the doors and stay focused on what you want to try to achieve.

"It is my responsibility to get the team to play to the level they know they can play; players' responsibility on the field of play is to play their best and I think when they play their best we can give anyone a game."

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Allardyce's position has not been helped by comments he made a week ago when he likened Everton's ambitions to former clubs Newcastle and West Ham.

That sparked supporters' anger and defeat at Burnley 24 hours later, having taken the lead, intensified the calls for him to go.

"Every club's fans have a lot of passion but like I said at the time the history of Everton is far greater than that of Newcastle and West Ham," added the Toffees boss.

"For me Everton is completely different from Newcastle or West Ham but it was just a comparison, it wasn't anything other than that.

Five bosses who could replace Sam Allardyce at Everton if he faces the axe

"The ambition of Everton is different to Newcastle and different to West Ham but if you don't play as well as they expect you to do they show their disapproval and that's what you have to deal with as a manager.

"You have to turn that around and get everyone behind you."

Argentina centre-back Ramiro Funes Mori is in contention for a place in Saturday's squad at home to Brighton after 11 months out following knee surgery.